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2 Ways to Share Apps Between Android Devices

Quick Tips
  • The easiest way to share apps from one Android device to another is via the Play Store.
  • You can also use the Google Files app to share your apps’ APK files using Bluetooth, Nearby Share, or a third-party file transfer app.

Method 1: Share Apps Between Android Devices Using the Play Store

The easiest and quickest way to share apps between Android devices is via the Play Store. It uses the Nearby Share feature—available on all phones running Android 6.0 or higher—to share the app file quickly. You can use this method to share multiple apps at once.

To share apps with nearby Android devices via the Play Store:

Step 1: Open the Play Store on the phone from which you want to share the app.

Step 2: Tap the profile icon at the top right > select Manage apps & device.

Step 3: Under the Overview tab, tap the Send button next to Share apps.

Step 4: On the following screen, you’ll see a list of apps installed on your phone. You can sort these apps by name or size.

Step 5: Use the checkboxes to select the apps you want to share and tap the send icon at the top right.

Step 6: On the receiving device, open the Play Store and go to the Manage apps & device page (refer to the steps above). Then, tap the Receive button next to Share apps.

Step 7: After the receiving device shows up on the sender’s phone, select it.

Step 8: On the receiving device, you should see the same four-digit code as on the sender’s device. Select Receive to initiate the app transfer.

Step 9: After the app is transferred, tap the Install button next to the app to install it. If there are multiple apps, tap the Install all button to install them all at once.

Step 10: Tap Disconnect at the top right on either of the devices.

Method 2: Share Apps Between Android Devices Using the Google Files App

While sharing apps through the Play Store is simple, it is not the only option. You can also use the Google Files app to share apps with another Android device. Unlike the above method, the Google Files app allows you to share APK files of your apps via Bluetooth, Nearby Share, or a third-party file transfer app.

Although the Files app comes pre-installed on most Android devices, download it from the Play Store if it isn’t already on your phone. You do not need to install the app on the receiving device.

Step 1: Open the Files app on the device from which you want to send apps.

Step 2: In the Browse tab, tap on Apps.

Step 3: Under the Installed apps tab, locate the app you want to share. Tap the three-dot menu icon next to it and select Share.

If you want to share multiple apps at once, tap the three-dot menu and choose Select. Then, use the checkboxes to select apps and tap the share icon at the top right.

Step 4: In the share sheet menu, select your preferred sharing option. You can share your app using Bluetooth, Nearby Share, or a third-party app.

Step 5: On the receiving device, tap the received APK file and select Install.

If you use a third-party app to install the APK file, you may see a warning message about installing unknown apps. In that case, select the Settings option and enable the toggle for your app. After that, you should be able to install the app using the APK file.

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Last updated on 02 August, 2024

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